The Fresno State Bulldogs (6-6) and Northern Illinois Huskies (7-5) are set to face off in the 2024 Idaho Potato Bowl, looking to end their season on a victorious note this Monday afternoon. Fresno State experienced a challenging finish, losing three of their last four games, with a narrow 20-13 defeat at UCLA in their most recent outing. This matchup will also mark the final game under interim coach Tim Skipper, as the Bulldogs prepare for the arrival of USC associate head coach Matt Entz, who will take over the program.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET at Albertsons Stadium, where Northern Illinois enters as a 2.5-point favorite. The total points for the game has slightly increased to 41 from its opening line. Before making predictions, fans are encouraged to consider insights from proven computer models that simulate these matchups numerous times for accuracy.
Fresno State showcased a strong start to the season, winning three of their first four games, but struggled in Mountain West play, leading to their current record. The team is now in transition, looking forward to life in the Pac-12 under new leadership. Notably, starting quarterback Mikey Keene, who led the league with 2,892 passing yards, will not participate in the game as he is one of 14 Bulldogs who entered the transfer portal.
On the other hand, Northern Illinois is also navigating changes, with discussions about a potential move to the Mountain West. The Huskies are celebrating a milestone, as this game features a record 30 seniors playing in their final college game. This group includes players who contributed to a historic upset against Notre Dame earlier this season.
As both teams prepare to put their best foot forward, Northern Illinois will have to adjust to the absence of quarterback Ethan Hampton, who has entered the transfer portal, prompting redshirt freshman Josh Holst to start in his place. Holst displayed dual-threat capabilities in his last outing, which adds an intriguing dynamic to the game.
Overall, predictions indicate a potential increase in offensive output, with models projecting over 51 combined points in the game, further suggesting optimism for an exciting matchup. As both teams aim to close the season positively, fans can look forward to an engaging contest that highlights the determination and talent of the players involved.
This game not only serves as a conclusion to the season for both teams but also marks the beginning of new eras for Fresno State and Northern Illinois. Whether new coaching strategies will reshape Fresno State’s play or if Northern Illinois can leverage their senior experience to solidify their finish, there is much to watch for in this showdown.